Kennnedy Information has provided IMC USA with a special report of its most recent surveys and analyses of consulting profitability. Members can download "Fees, Utilization and Other Key Metrics 2006: Managing Profitability in the Consulting Profession" and see how performance among the smallest niche consultancies still varies greatly, but is much more consistent among the midsized and large firms. Click to Download (you must be logged in to download)

Whereas over the past several years close to half of all firms reported increased discounting and lagging utilization rates, this year the vast majority of firms report that the key metrics tracked by Kennedy Information are trending positively.

Other findings include realized (after discounting) hourly billing rates among smaller firms ranges from $143 (entry level) to $294 (VP/partner). Utilization rates average around 70%, lower for partners, higher for junior level consultants. The report also describes bonuses and billing practices.